Ankle bracelet pilot programme under consideration for low-risk prisoners – Walrond

The government is considering the introduction of electronic ankle bracelets as a monitoring alternative for low-risk offenders, according to Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond.

“We are planning a pilot programme where assessed low-risk prisoners can work outside the prison—whether it’s building drains or other community work. They will be gainfully employed, earning money for themselves and their families, while wearing ankle bracelets so we can monitor them. This approach allows prisoners to remain active, take pride in their work, and prepare for life outside, without compromising security,” she revealed during an exclusive interview with this publication.

The minister emphasised that this initiative would be part of a broader vision, to focus on rehabilitation of inmates.

“Ultimately, what we want is a total overhaul of the prison system. We are not here to manufacture animals. When prisoners leave, they should be productive members of society. It requires political will, but it is possible, and it is the way to save the men our country so badly needs,” the minister noted.

Currently, more than 90 percent of the prison population are men.

According to Walrond, among her key priorities for this term is the passage of a new Prison Act, which will ensure that more prison programmes are designed to support rehabilitation, learning, and the reduction of recidivism.

She emphasised that it is not enough to simply release prisoners at the end of their terms without equipping them to reintegrate into society:

“Having programmes while they’re in prison is critical. We need an active merit system where good behaviour is rewarded—whether it’s attending school, training in a trade, completing CXC exams, or earning scholarships. When they leave prison, there should be structured support, ensuring that they are well-integrated into communities and actively monitored during the transition period,” she noted.

Minister Walrond also reiterated the importance of addressing social issues from the beginning.
Highlighting the social aspect, she also underscored the growing problem of boys disengaging from education.

Approximately 80 percent of university graduates are women, she noted, indicating that many boys are not connecting with traditional learning systems. This disconnect often leaves them more vulnerable to negative social influences and pressures, the minister noted.

According to Minister Walrond, boys who fail to engage academically often face limited opportunities, which can contribute to broader social challenges, including crime and incarceration.

“Starting from boys, we must recognise the challenges facing our young men and young boys. The approach needs to tackle social issues and have a legal foundation where the prison system is mandated to treat prisoners as individuals capable of becoming productive citizens,” she said.